Machiavelli

Machiavelli

In Machiavelli’s The Prince both tyranny and military are the underlining foundations necessary for a ruler to maintain control over his society. Machiavelli understands that achieving personal power through tyranny is necessary to maintain control over the states, for the greater good of the people.  
Machiavelli supports exercising the people and advisers as a means to an end; however ultimately it is them who will obtain the greatest benefit from his governing philosophies. In Chapter Twenty-Six a direct example of Machiavelli’s intentions for writing The Prince is conveyed “I ask myself, whether in Italy now, we are living in time suitable for the triumph of a new ruler, and If there is an opportunity for a prudent and bold (virtuoso) man to take control of events and win honor for himself while benefiting everyone who lives here,” (77.) Machiavelli’s discusses methods of skill and virtu from The Prince, inquiring whether they are capable of influencing the future rulers, with the knowledge necessary for the survival of Italy during a time of war and suffering.  
When considering Machiavelli’s purpose for writing The Prince, one must also understand his ideology of maintaining a tyranny, for the greater benefit of the people.
In chapter twenty-two Machiavelli’s discusses an infallible method in which to employ an adviser. Hence, Machiavelli defines three types of people: “One understands matter for itself, one follows the explanation of others, and one neither understands nor follows,” (pg 71.) These hierarchies of varying intelligence sum up his conviction of tyranny, why it is both necessary and crucial for the sustainability of the state. The ruler or tyrant represents the first person, the adviser the second and the people the third.   Machiavelli understands that if the people in the third intelligence category were to rule, there would be devastating consequences. Therefore, Machiavelli’s sees tyranny as an imperative tactic, which...